CORROSION ANNUALLY COSTS $300 BILLION, ACCORDING TO BATTELLE STUDY

The annual cost of metallic corrosion in the United States economy is approximately $300 billion, according to an update released today by Battelle and the Specialty Steel Industry of North America. The report estimates that about one-third of the cost of corrosion ($100 billion) is avoidable and could be saved by broader application of corrosion-resistant materials and application of best anti-corrosive practice from design through maintenance.

The estimates result from a partial update by Battelle scientists of the findings of a study conducted by Battelle and the National Institute of Standards and Technology titled "Economic Effects of Metallic Corrosion in the United States." The original work in 1978 was based on an estimate that in 1975 metallic corrosion cost the U.S. $82 billion (4.9 percent of the Gross National Product), and approximately $33 billion was avoidable because best practices were not used at the time.

"The staggering present cost of corrosion to the U.S. economy could be sharply reduced by wider application of longer-lasting corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. Material selection and substitution in the wide range available today should be a major commitment, and a primary aim should be to assure less maintenance and better total life cycle costs," James F. Will, Chairman of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), said.

Henry J. Cialone, Battelle vice president, said, "By highlighting the magnitude of today's corrosion costs, the recent information suggests how valuable a detailed sector-by-sector analysis and complete updating of the original corrosion study would be to industry, consumers and the overall economy of our nation."

A copy of the updated Battelle report summary is available upon request.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing, and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.

The Specialty Steel Industry of North America is a Washington-based trade association representing virtually all continental producers of stainless steel and alloy tool steels, electrical steels, super alloys, and other high technology materials.

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